Return to top. Too much phosphorus in your blood can cause problems. An excess of the mineral can cause diarrhea, as well as a hardening of organs and soft tissue. Phosphorus spontaneously ignites on contact with air, producing toxic fumes (phosphorus oxides). High levels of phosphorus and calcium in the blood can also cause itchy skin and red eyes. The ravages of "phossy jaw"—necrosis of the jaw bone caused by phosphorus poisoning—may have been discovered in a young teenager's remains. Nearly every food contains some phosphorus, so this can be hard to do. Phosphorus reacts violently with oxidants, halogens, some metals, nitrites, sulfur, and many other compounds, causing a fire and explosion hazard. Too much phosphate can be toxic. It was most commonly seen in workers in the matchstick industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It has been stated that ingestion of as little as 15 mg of elemental yellow phosphorus may cause symptoms, and 60 mg can be fatal. Causes Share on Pinterest Kidney disease and diabetes are common causes of hyperphosphatemia. How much phosphorus you need depends on your kidney function. According to a study published in "The Journal of the American Medical Association" in March 2011, there appears to be an association between high serum levels of phosphorus, as phosphates, and increased risk of death, especially in people with kidney disease. Along with calcium, phosphorus is needed to build strong healthy bones, as well as, keeping other parts of your body healthy. Phosphorus works with calcium and vitamin D in your body to keep your bones healthy and strong.To do this, your body’s phosphorus, calcium and vitamin D all need to be in balance. Phosphorus reacts with strong bases to produce toxic phosphine gas. Phosphorus is a mineral found in your bones. 2 In one study mortality rate was recorded as 50% 3 and, in another study, 48% of those who ingested large doses. Current guidelines recommend choosing natural foods instead of processed foods that have phosphorus added to them. How are high phosphorus and bone disease related? High Phosphorus Levels. Phossy jaw, formally known as phosphorus necrosis of the jaw, was an occupational disease affecting those who worked with white phosphorus (also known as yellow phosphorus) without proper safeguards. What is phosphorus? It was caused by white phosphorus vapour, which destroys the bones of the jaw. Acute phosphorus intoxication has been a familiar syndrome for many years. (4) Uses Most phosphorus is used in the production of phosphoric acid and phosphates, which are used in the fertilizers industry. When you have chronic kidney disease (CKD), your kidneys cannot remove phosphorus … Why is phosphorus important to you? EXPLOSION HAZARDS: One of these problems is bone disease. Phosphorus toxicity is rare in a healthy person, but could develop if too much is consumed or an individual has kidney problems that interfere with removal of excess phosphorus through the urine. Phosphorus Food Guide Vegetables Low phosphorus 100 mg or less per serving Vegetables Serving size Phosphorus (mg) Asparagus 4 spears 32 Beans, green/yellow snap ½ cup 21 Beets (canned) ½ cup 33 Broccoli ½ cup 29 Cabbage (green or red) ½ cup8 Carrots ½ cup 24 Cauliflower ½ cup 22 Celery ½ cup 15 Corn, kernel ½ cup 69 Corn, creamed in can ½ cup 66 Cucumber (without skin) ½ cup 11 If you have early-stage kidney disease or you're on dialysis, you may need to limit phosphorus. which contains information on oral chronic toxicity and the RfD, and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's (ATSDR's) Toxicological Profile for White Phosphorus. (4) Normal working kidneys can remove extra phosphorus in your blood. 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